*Some of these things work for both young and beginners/amateur writers* *Also, these are things that are less obvious tips. Like it's obvious that writing voluntarily for a local magazine could help you, but what else? What else can help you develop in a less structured way?* Spend a year (at least) working in… Continue reading What Young Writers Should Do To Become Pro (Except Education)
Tag: story development
Relating to Characters More Than Real People
I love rewatching shows like Community, Friends, How I Met Your Mother, Brooklyn 99, One Day at a Time, Gilmore Girls, and Parks and Recreation for mainly one reason: the characters. The storyline doesn't have to be great; it's the characters that I fall in love with. Characters that I can relate to, get life advice… Continue reading Relating to Characters More Than Real People
How to Bring Diversity into your Story
I wanted to discuss this as someone who supports diversity, someone who feels underrepresented in books and films and TV, and someone who is an author who writes with diversity in mind. Everything I say is my own opinion and advice, said with good intentions... Be realistic The first thing to remember when writing diversity… Continue reading How to Bring Diversity into your Story
How to Be a Healthy Writer
Don't isolate yourselfIt is very easy as a writer to become isolated. Your work involves you, a laptop or a notebook and pen. Yes, of course, there's the characters in your head - but I'm sorry, they don't count. Make a conscious effort to be around real people, at least now and then. Don't let… Continue reading How to Be a Healthy Writer
How to Be a Better Storyteller
All writers are storytellers. Whether you are writing a novel or a blog post, you are essentially telling a story. But how do you become a better storyteller? How do you ensure that your narrative and characters aren't dry and boring? How do you make it all feel real whether it is a non-fiction or… Continue reading How to Be a Better Storyteller
Force It!
Sometimes, sadly, in order to be productive, we have to force it. The best way to ensure something gets done is to give yourself no other choice but to do it. Yes, this can be a little frustrating, but it can really work when you're trying something new or trying to build new habits that… Continue reading Force It!
Knowing What Kind of Writer You Are
I was speaking to my friend (and critique partner) about our books the other day. I'm in the editing process but she's still in the writing the draft process. And we were envious of each other! You see, I think there's different kinds of writers who thrive in different ways. I thrive in the writing… Continue reading Knowing What Kind of Writer You Are
Mind Mapping for Writers
I love mind maps. Countless times have they helped me figure out ideas that I was struggling with. Here are a few ways that you can use mind maps: Details for your story: this is the biggest one. I've used many mind maps to help me to discover detail about my story without feeling like… Continue reading Mind Mapping for Writers
Why Writing is Hard
Writing is hard. It is. Not because writing something is hard, because technically everyone can write something. Not because coming up with good ideas is hard, because all kinds of people (extraordinary and not so extraordinary) can come up with ideas everyday. No, writing is hard because: Discipline - it takes discipline to sit with… Continue reading Why Writing is Hard
What Do Children Want and Need from a Book?
By children, I mean middle grade (8-14) really. I've been thinking about this a lot, as someone who plans to be a middle grade author in the not too distant future. What do children want and need from a book in this day and age? Because, I bet it's not the same as 5 years… Continue reading What Do Children Want and Need from a Book?
S. R. Crawford 